Jog machine using gamepad or keypad?

Builder

My machines has CNC XPro V3 boards. I tried to search the Internet to see if I can jog the machines using gamepad or keypad but I couldn't find anything. Is it possible to jog the machines using gamepad or keypad?

Staff MemberModeratorBuilder

Hi Jeff, Yes you can use a keypad with UGS, you can setup the jog using any keys you want.
If you switch from GRBL to Estlcam like I did you can use a gamepad (standard playstation corded or cordless)
Cheers
Gary

Staff MemberModeratorBuilder

bCNC will also use an external number key pad for jogging, and setting the jog distance.

let me clarify something. the XPro runs GRBL and does not have time to do anything else. it is a busy little processor just accepting commands from the PC and converting them into pulses for the motors. so, it cannot have any kind of keypad plugged into it directly.

jogging keypads and anything else you want are up to the GUI program, like UGS, Grbl-Panel, bCNC, Candle, Openbuilds machine driver and others. Some are very simple, and others are a lot more comprehensive. Your choice!

Personally I have tried them all and settled on bCNC, it does more than a I need, it supports a webcam for alignment, has an editor, it can accept plugins for doing new things and important to me it properly supports all co-ordinate systems G54 through G59 whereas most others only set a G91 offset for your current workpiece. Since I added a USB keypad for jogging I have been very happy though I do still use the mouse for some things.

Builder

I use "Go to Special Position 1" and "Go to Special Position 2" buttons for auto-zero probe. First button moves the Z-Axis down until the bit touches the plate. Second button sets the tool height above the top surface of the material by the thickness of the touch plate. Is it possible to assign a key on the numeric keypad to the buttons? It's hard for me to move the mouse cursor to the correct button before clicking on it.